The GC500 Event
The Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 is an annual street circuit Supercars Championship motor racing event held in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia. The circuit is a tight track that winds around the public streets of the iconic Gold Coast, hence the name of the event.
The Vodafone Gold Coast 500 happens over a three-day weekend from Friday to Sunday. On the first day of the event, Friday, there are three thirty-minute practice sessions featured on the track. Then, a twenty-minute qualifying session happens on both Saturday and Sunday and the combined results of those determine the grid for the following main 300-km race.
The Gold Coast track, where the event is held, boasts great views from neighbouring buildings, which is where you’ll find our superbly located trackside rooms.
The Gold Coast 500 is one of the series’ most anticipated events and has one of the biggest parties with non-stop action-packed racing by day and chart-topping performances by night. The off-track festivities are always huge, garnering both local and international crowds, with previous lineups that have featured the Hilltop Hoods, Lil Jon, the Thundamentals, & more. The sun, the sand, the high-octane action, and the fabulous nightlife all lend themselves to a dream holiday for any motorsport enthusiast.
History of the Gold Coast 500 Race
Before it was officially named as the Gold Coast 500 in 2010, this motor racing event was referred to as the Gold Coast Indy 300 which was an open-wheel, exhibition, non-championship race that was held in the same place – Surfers Paradise Street Circuit on the Gold Coast in Queensland.
In 1994, touring cars joined the event and V8 Supercars Challenge became a support race for the Gold Coast Indy 300. For years, the event has supported and featured ATCC (Australian Super Touring Championship) cars.
Then in 2002, the event became an official V8 Supercars championship round and it has been since.
However, in 2008, the demise of the IndyCar Series was announced. As the event would not be returning to the Gold Coast the following year, a few changes to the format had to be made to fill in the hole in the schedule.
The format that was created in 2009 made way to the introduction of what we now know as the Gold Coast 600.
When is the Gold Coast 500?
The 2024 Gold Coast 600 event dates are yet to be confirmed.
How many laps is the Gold Coast 500?
There are 102 laps in total for each race.
How long is the Gold Coast 500 race track?
The distance of the track for each race is 250 kilometres.
What time does the Gold Coast 500 start?
The official schedule for the 2024 event has not yet been released but in 2019, the event started at 9AM on its first day, Friday.
Who has won the Gold Coast 500 previously?
Over the past 10 years, a few drivers have dominated the Gold Coast 500. Jamie Whincup has won the race five times and is the driver that has gained the most wins in the event. In 2011 and 2012, he won with co-driver Steven Bourdais; in 2014 and 2016, with co-driver Paul Dumbrell; and his first win 2010 was with Steve Owen.
Shane Van Gisbergen also has a few wins under his belt having won the race three times in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Two of his winning races were with co-driver Jonathan Webb and his latest one was with Alexander Premat.
Chaz Mostert, Mark Winterbottom, and Garth Tander have all won the race twice as lead drivers while Steve Owen and Alexander Premat won the race twice as co-drivers.
What year did the Gold Coast 500 start?
The Gold Coast 500 as a Championship event officially started in 2002. But it was in 1991 when the Gold Coast Indy 300, its former name, started as an exhibition race.
Where is the Gold Coast 500 track?
The Gold Coast 500 track is located on the streets of Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast in Queensland.
2024 GC500 Ticket Upgrades
Enhance your 2024 Gold Coast Supercars package by adding any of these seats or corporate hospitality experiences:
Reserved Grandstands
3 Days – $209 pp
Your choice of:
- Pit Exit Stand 3
- Grandstand 12
- Grandstand 13
- Chicane Super Stand
- Beach Chicane Stand
- Tedder Avenue Stand 3
- Tedder Avenue Stand 4
Sports Lounge
3 Days – $1,140 pp
Weekend – $940 pp
Don’t miss any of the racing actions in this on-track Lounge! The Sports Lounge is located at pit exit in an open air marquee with tiered viewing balcony. Inclusions:
- 3 day exclusive access to the Sports Lounge on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Entry into the circuit including all general viewing and merchandise areas
- On arrival snack, lunch and afternoon tea
- Additional snacks available for purchase
- In suite bar with a selection of beer, wine and RTD spirits available for purchase
- Self serve tea and coffee station and filtered water station
- Casual lounge with non-reserved seating
- Official 2022 Gold Coast 600 Event Programme
- Dedicated host
Trackside Lounge
3 Days – $1,830 pp
Weekend – $1,580 pp
The Trackside Lounge delivers race fans unrivalled excitement. Located on level 2 of the pit lane complex – fans soak up all the Supercars action with uninterrupted trackside views along with a reserved dining experience in an open air marquee.
- Hosted with reserved pre-allocated seating
- Morning & afternoon tea, buffet lunch
- A selection of beer, wine & soft drinks
- Selection of RTD spirits available for purchase
Pavilion X-Piper Heidsieck
Weekend – $2,270 pp
Enjoy the ultimate premium shared experience, located in climate controlled suite directly above the team garages on pit straight.
Includes:
– 2 day Pavilion X-Piper Heidsieck Level 1 – Saturday and Sunday
– Hosted in a non-reserved, air-conditioned casual lounge with balcony
– In-suite chef taking you on a culinary journey with grazing food all day
– Free flowing Piper Heidsieck champagne, premium beers, wine and soft drink
– Espresso coffee
– Selection of RTD spirits available for purchase
– Official 2024 Gold Coast 500 event programme
– Supercars Driver appearances
Please Note: Children under 18 years are not permitted into Pavilion X-Piper Heidsieck Level 1
Chicane Club
3 Day – $1,830 pp
Weekend – $3,150 pp
Located on the the legendary beach side of the Gold Coast street circuit, its envious location provides a fantastic Supercars experience. A relaxed suite, reserved seating and with great views of the fast chicane and the beach!
Inclusions:
- Reserved Seating – Casual dining
- On-Arrival Snack
- Morning Tea
- Lunch
- Afternoon Tea
- In-Suite Barista
- Beverage Package – beer, wine, cider, soft drinks
- RTD spirits available for purchase
Hellenika on the Beach Chicane
Weekend – $3,150 pp
Also located on the the legendary beach side of the Gold Coast street circuit with all the bells and whistles. A casual lounge suite with great views of the fast chicane and the beach!
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne, spirt selection with mixers, premium beers, wine and soft drinks. Also includes:
- On-Arrival Snack
- Morning Tea
- Lunch
- Afternoon Tea
- In-Suite Barista
The Supercars Paddock Club
3 Days – SOLD OUT
Weekend – N/A
If you’re after the best Supercars hospitality experience around, then look now further as the Supercar’s Paddock Club has it all!
- Premium shared experience
- Minimum of three days experience
- Hosted with reserved pre-allocated seating
- In-suite barista
- Premium dining experience
- Premium beers, wines & a selection of RTD spirits
- Driver appearances & interviews
The Ultimate Beach Chicane +Pit Lane Weekend
Ultimate combination of The Lounge (Sat) + Hellenika on the Beach Chicane (Sun)
Choose from
Option 1.
Hellenika on the Beach Chicane (Sat) + The Lounge (Sun)
Weekend: $3,150 pp
Option 2.
The Lounge (Sat) + Hellenika on the Beach Chicane (Sun)
Weekend: $3,150 pp
Booking Conditions
- A 20% non-refundable deposit plus the cost Ticket Upgrades is required to confirm your package.
- Upgrades will be booked, invoiced and confirmed on allocation when released.
- The Balance of all Packages is due no later than 31st July 2024.
Payment Options
- Direct Debit (Details will be shown on your invoice).
- Credit Card (Surcharges apply).
- Cheques can be made payable to PlaySeeGo Travel Group Pty Ltd and mailed to PO Box 34, Kew East, Victoria, 3102.
Additional Terms
- There are no refunds on unused services or stage payments.
- We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to mitigate any financial loss should you be unable to travel when required.
- Availability is subject to change at any time.
Please see our General Terms & Conditions that are used in conjunction with the specific event terms.